LIBRARY 

•TAT«  TBACHCNB  OOl_L««» 
•ANTA   BARBARA.   CALIFORNIA 


LIBRARY 


2 


I'A 


HOW  TO  KNOW 
PERIOD  STYLES 
IN  FURNITURE 


A  Brief  History  of  Furniture 
from  the  Days  of  Ancient 
Egypt  to  the  Present  Time, 
Illustrated  with  over  300 
Typical  Examples  and  a  Brief 
Description  of  Each  Period 


By  W.  L.  KIMERLY 


STATE  NOffiAL  SCH00L 
MANUAL  ARTS  Af'D  H6KE 

SANTA  BARBARA,  CALIFORNIA 
1912 

GRAND  RAPIDS  FURNITURE  RECORD  CO. 
Grand  Rapids,  Michigan 


Copyright,  1912, 
By  W.  L.  Kimerly,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

Copyright,  1912, 

By  The  Grand  Rapids   Furniture   Record   Co. 
Grand    Rapids,    Mich. 


THE  OBJECT  OF  THIS  BOOK 

Most  books  published  on  furniture  are 
too  voluminous  for  any  one  except  the 
professional  designer.  Many  of  them  are 
in  a  foreign  language  and  they  are  invari- 
ably high  in  price. 

It  is  the  object  of  this  book  to  arrange 
in  a  clear,  practical  way,  a  brief  history 
of  furniture,  illustrating  same  with  typical 
examples  of  each  period  and  a  brief 
description  of  each,  so  as  to  produce  a 

CO 

handy  reference  for  all  who  may  wish  to 
understand  "Period  Styles  in  Furniture." 


W.  L.  KIMERLY. 
March  1,  1912. 


PREFACE 

A  knowledge  of  period  styles  in  furniture  is  as  necessary 
to  those  who  would  properly  furnish  a  home  as  a  knowledge 
of  grammar  is  to  those  who  would  speak  correctly.  All 
period  styles  have  a  history  and  an  exceedingly  interesting 
one.  The  historical  styles  in  furniture  are  those  that  have 
stood  the  test  of  time;  they  were  not  created  in  a  day,  but 
were  gradually  developed  to  fit  the  needs  of  civilization  and 
society;  a  change  in  government  or  religion  has  always  been 
reflected  in  the  character  of  the  furniture.  No  new  style  has 
ever  been  created  without  a  knowledge  of  some  older  one  and 
probably  never  will  be.  The  student  of  furniture  may  delve 
into  the  mysteries  of  design  as  deeply  as  he  may  desire  and 
always  find  something  interesting  and  instructive,  but  the 
busy  man  or  woman,  the  clerk  in  the  furniture  store  or  the 
salesman  on  the  road  must  have  the  information  necessary 
for  them  to  understand  the  general  arrangement  and  char- 
acteristics of  period  styles  placed  before  them  in  as  brief  and 
compact  a  manner  as  possible.  It  is  believed  that  the  follow- 
ing pages  will  accomplish  this  purpose  in  a  better  manner 
than  any  other  book  now  published. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Historical 9 

Chronological    Table    12 

-  Egyptian    13 

Babylonian-Assyrian-Indian    15 

Grecian    17 

Roman  21 

Byzantine    23 

Islam  or  Moorish 25 

Gothic  27 

Renaissance  in  Italy 33 

Renaissance  in  France 39 

-  Louis  Quartorze   (XIV) 45 

-  Louis  Quinze  (XV)   .-•> 51 

Louis  Seize  (XVI)  . 55 

Empire 59 

Early  English  Renaissance  (Tudor) 65 

Elizabethan 69 

Jacobean 73 

William  and  Mary 79 

Queen  Anne 83 

The  Georgian  Period. 89 

Chippendale 91 

Heppelwhite  99 

The  Adam  Style 103 

Sheraton 107 

Victorian   Era 113 

Renaissance  Styles  in  Other  European  Countries 114 

German    115 

Flemish    117 

Holland  119 

Spain    121 

L'  Art  Nouveau   123 

Furniture  in  the  United  States 125 

Colonial   Furniture   127 

Colonial  Style  of  Today 137 

Mission    143 


HISTORICAL 

The  history  of  furniture  in  those  countries  where  it  can 
be  traced,  closely  follows  the  character,  customs  and  environ- 
ments of  the  people  and  corresponds  in  growth  to  the  develop- 
ment of  their  civilization  and  refinement,  the  skill  of  their 
workmen  and  the  use  of  improved  tools,  etc.,  etc. 

In  order  to  give  a  brief  outline  of  its  history  from  the 
oldest  civilization  to  the  present  time,  we  will  begin  with 
Egypt. 

There  are  very  few  original  pieces  of  furniture  of  the 
early  ages  in  existence  and  most  of  the  information  of  this 
period  is  gathered  from  illustrations.  However,  owing  to 
climatic  and  other  conditions,  a  number  of  genuine  specimens 
of  Egyptian  furniture  have  come  down  to  us  and  we  have  a 
more  complete  record  of  the  work  of  this  country  than  many 
of  the  later  nations. 

The  Assyrians,  Babylonians  and  Jews,  who  were  next  in 
order,  did  not  develop  anything  distinct  in  style,  and  have 
left  very  few  specimens  that  can  be  attributed  to  them. 

Next  come  the  Greeks,  whose  work  in  classic  art  shows 
such  an  exquisite  sense  of  beauty  and  form  that  their  influence 
on  succeeding  styles  has  been  very  great.  Roman  art  was 
greatly  influenced  by  them  but  they  added  to  it  and  developed 
certain  characteristics  of  their  own.  One  distinct  feature  of 
their  work  which  differed  from  the  Greeks,  was  their  use  of 
the  round  arch.  The  work  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans  form 
what  is  known  as  the  Classic  in  architecture  and  furniture 
designing. 

After  the  Roman  came  a  style  called  Byzantine.  Then 
the  Moslem  power  arose  and  with  it  came  the  Islam  style 
of  ornament  which  was  confined  chiefly  to  floral  and  geomet- 
rical motives.  The  Moslem  religion  prohibited  them  from 
using  human  or  animal  forms  in  their  designs.  They  also 
developed  a  peculiar  style  of  pointed  arch.  Meanwhile 
classic  art  had  begun  to  decay  and  a  style  arose  called  Gothic. 

9 


io       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 

It  spread  all  over  Europe  and  was  supreme  for  several 
centuries.  Its  distinguishing  features  were  geometrical  forms 
and  the  high  pointed  arch.  It  was  distinctly  an  ecclesiastical 
style  and  was  far  more  suited  to  architecture  than  furniture. 
During  this  period  classic  art  was  at  a  very  low  ebb,  but  a  new 
movement  began  to  be  felt  in  every  branch  of  industry  and  to 
this  great  revival  the  name  of  Renaissance  had  been  given. 
It  started  in  Italy  the  latter  part  of  the  fifteenth  century  and 
spread  all  over  Europe  continuing  about  one  hundred  years. 
At  this  time  great  progress  had  been  made  in  architecture 
and  furniture  designing.  Under  the  reign  of  different 
monarchs  various  types  were  gradually  developed  until  they 
were  recognized  as  period  styles.  These  styles  were  usually 
given  the  name  of  the  sovereign  under  whose  reign  they  were 
developed,  although  in  some  cases  they  were  named  after  the 
designer,  as  in  the  case  of  Chippendale,  Sheraton  and  others. 

In  the  early  days,  furniture  followed  closely  the  archi- 
tecture of  the  period.  Chests,  cabinets,  etc.,  were  often  given 
facades  that  were  simply  buildings  in  miniature,  seats  were 
stiff  and  cumbersome,  chair  posts  often  resembled  small  church 
spires,  but  with  the'  advent  of  period  styles,  furniture  design- 
ing became  a  separate  profession,  and  we  find  a  great  variety 
of  furniture  constructed  for  both  comfort  and  utility  and 
entirely  free  from  the  architectural  plan  of  the  building  . 
although  there  was  always  a  connecting  link  in  detail  or  orna- 
ment which  kept  the  two  in  harmony.  It  must  be  remembered 
there  was  no  distinct  line  drawn  between  the  different  styles 
but  rather  a  gradual  change  or  development  from  one  to  the 
other.  Much  of  the  furniture  made  during  these  transitory 
periods  is  extremely  difficult  to  classify,  it  oft-times  being 
impossible  for  even  experts  to  determine  positively  to  which 
period  a  particular  piece  should  belong. 

So  the  object  of  this  book  is  to  show  fully  developed 
examples  only  of  each  style  as  they  are  recognized  today. 

As   the   greatest    number   of   styles   were   developed    in 
France  and  England,  a  chronological  table  has  been  arranged 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       11 

showing  the  order  of  their  development  in  these  and  adjoining 
countries. 

All  illustrations  shown  in  this  book  are  reproduced  from 
pieces  actually  made  or  designed  during  the  time  the  particular 
period  they  represent  was  in  vogue. 


Italian  Renaissance. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLE 

Showing  the  Order  of  Period  Styles  from  the  Beginning  of  the  Renaissance 
to  the  19th  Century. 


ENGLAND 

FRANCE 

SOVEREIGN 

STYLE 

REMARKS 

STYLE 

SOVEREIGN 

Home  of  Tudor 

Henry  VIII 
1509-1547 

Tudor 

ENGLISH  RENAISSANCE  PERIODS 

About  the  duration 
of    the  Renaissance 
Period  in  other 
countries. 

FRENCH  RENAISSANCE  PERIODS 

Francis 
Premier 

Francis  I 
1515-1547 

Elizabeth 
1558-1603 

Elizabethan 

Henri-  Deux 

Henry  II 
1547-1559 

Italy. 
1443-1564 

j 

James  1 
1603-1625 

Jacobean 

Francis  11 
1559-1560 

Charles  I 
1625-1649 

Germany, 
1525-1620 

Charles  DC 
1560-1574 

Flemish  &  Dutch, 
1520-1634 

1649-1660 

Henry  III 
1547-1589 

1 

I 

55 

Charles  11 
1660-1685* 

Spain  and  Portugal, 
1500-1620 

James  II 
1685-1688 

Henri 
Quatre 

Henry  IV 
1589-1610 

Other  European 
Countries 
1500-1630 

}! 

WXuB&Mary 

1688-1702 

William  & 
Mary 

Louis  Trize 

Louis  XIII 
1610  1643 

Anne 
1702-1714 

Queen 
Anne 

v  Barocco  Styles. 
Beginning  of  the  Rococo. 

Louis 

Qualorze 

Louis  XIV 
1643-1715 

George  I 
1714-1727 

Chippendale, 
Heppelwhite, 
Adam 
Sheraton 

GEORGIAN  PERIOD 

Chippendale's  book. 
The  Gentleman's  and 
Cabinetmaker's  Director," 
published  1754  and  a 
later  edition  1  762. 

o 

3    Louis  Quinze 

O    ; 

at   | 

Louis  XV 
1715-1747 

George  II 
1727-1760 

Hepprlwhite's  book.  "The 
Cabinetmaker  and  Uphol- 
Herer's  Guide,"  1789. 

CLASSICAL 

Louis  Seize 

Louis  XVI 
1747-1793 

R.M.Adams.  1750-90 

George  III 
1760-1820 

Sheraton's  book,  "The 
Cabinetmaker  and  Uphol- 
sterer's  Drawing  Book." 
was  published  1791.     A 
later  edition  IB  1812. 

Empire 

Napoleon 
1793-1814 

12 


EGYPTIAN 

Stone  was  the  principal  building  material  of  the  Egyptians 
but  wood  and  metal  were  used  for  the  lighter  articles.  All 
three  materials  were  employed  in  making  furniture. 

The  principal  woods  were  the  sycamore,  cedar  and  some 
,  varieties  of  palm. 

Carving  and  inlaying  were  used,  but  painting  was  the 
predominating  method  of  decoration.  The  motifs  used  in 
decorations  were  the  lily,  lotus  flower,  date  palm  and  reed. 

The  following  illustrations  show  the  character  of  their 
furniture  and  ornamentation. 


Egyptian  Sphinx  in  the  Vatican  Museum. 


C 


J 


Egyptian    Columns   Showing   Character   of   Ornament. 


Egyptian  Mouldings. 
13 


14       HOW  TO  KNOW^PEKIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Ancient  Egyptian  Throne. 


Egyptian  Stool. 


Egyptian  Chair. 


Egyptian  Upholstered  Chair  in 
British  Museum. 


Egyptian  Stool  Covered  in  Leather 
in  British  Museum. 


.  .  ;,'     ,: 


BABYLONIAN-ASSYRIAN-INDIAN 

The  furniture  and  ornamental  work  of  these  countries 
was  very  similar  to  that  of  Egypt,  but  each  country  had 
certain  characteristics  of  its  own. 

A  few  illustrations  of  their  work  are  interesting  and  form 
a  necessary  link  in  our  history. 


Bronze  Tripod,  in  the 
Louvre,  Paris. 


WtshsUnd. 


Assyrian  Throne  from  a 
Monument. 


Assyrian   Bronze   Throne,   in 
British  Museum. 


GRECIAN 

Grecian  art  reached  the  height  of  its  glory  from  three 
to  four  centuries  B.  C.  Their  work  constitutes  what  is  known 
today  as  Classic  Art. 

The  characteristics  of  their  art  were  very  different  from 
those  of  Egypt  and  other  oriental  countries.  They  established 
the  three  orders  of  columns,  Doric,  Ionic,  and  Corinthian, 
and  showed  great  taste  and  refinement  in  ornament  and  pro- 
portion. 

Their  most  famous  work  was  on  their  temples  and  build- 
ings, but  they  designed  a  great  variety  of  furniture  which 
was  made  of  bronze,  wood,  and  stone. 

Characteristic  detail:  The  Anthemion,  Antefix,  frets, 
egg  and  dart  and  dentil  mouldings. 


Different  Types  of  the  Ante-fix. 


Anthemion. 


Egg  and   Dart   Moulding. 


^n 


I    II 

Jl -ML      A ill1 '         vT^    .          


Greek  Fret*. 
17 


i8       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Greek  Throne  from  a  Relief,  in 
British    Museum. 


Greek  Chair  Upholstered  with 
Draped  Skin. 


Greek  Lady's  Chair,  from  an  Antique 
Vase  Painting. 


Greek  Chmir. 


Greek  Marble   Chair. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       19 


Greek  Couch  and 
Footstool. 


Greek 
Settee. 


.Doric 


TirrunTrrrrnj 


Grecian  Order  of  Columns. 


ROMAN 

The  Roman  National  Art  was  developed  largely  under 
the  guidance  of  Greek  teachers  and,  consequently,  has  many 
similar  features,  but  their  work  in  the  Classic  Art  was  much 
more  highly  ornamented  than  the  Greek  style. 

They  established  the  round  arch  and  brought  architec- 
ture to  a  high  state  of  development.  They  adopted  the  Greek 
orders,  Doric,  Ionic,  and  Corinthian,  and  added  one  of  their 
own, 


Many  specimens  of  Roman  Classic  Art  were  found  when 
the  buried  cities  of  Pompeii  and  Herculaneum  were  discovered 

in  1748. 


Bronze  Couch  Frame  found  at  Pompeii, 
now  in  Naples  Museum. 


Ancient  Roman   Bronze 
Stand,  in   the  British 
Museum. 


Bronze  Seat  found  at  Pompeii,  now  in 
.  Naples   Museum. 


Bronze  Stand  found  at  Herculaneum, 
in  Naples  Museum. 


21 


22       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Roman   Arm   Chair,   with 
Sphinx  Ornaments. 


Marble  Table  found  at  Pompeii 


Fragments  of 

Roman   Frieze, 

Showing  Character 

of  Carving. 


BYZANTINE 

During  most  of  the  early  periods,  religion  was  one  of  the 
chief  motives  for  a  change  in  style,  and  when  Christianity 
became  predominant  during  the  Byzantine  Empire,  ancient 
classic  art  was  put  aside.  The  old  heathen  temple  and  its 
decorations  did  not  satisfy  these  early  Christians,  so  they 
developed  a  style  which  is  known  as  Byzantine.  One  of  its 
chief  characteristics  was  the  ornamentation.  The  pecu- 
liar sharp  pointed  acanthus  leaf  being  used  extensively, 
mosiacs  and  rich  decorative  effects  were  also  prominent  feat- 
ures. Very  little  furniture  was  produced.  Probably  the  most 
interesting  piece  left -is  the  chair  of  "St.  Peter"  in  Rome. 
It  was  inlaid  with  ivory  and  gold,  and  is  one  of  the  oldest 
pieces  of  wooden  furniture  in  existence. 


Byzantine  Carving  from  a  Church  in 
Constantinople. 


Byzantine   Capital    from 
St.   Mark.   Venice. 


Chair   of   "St.    Peter,      Rome. 


Byzantine    Baptistry,   from   a   Palace 
in  Venice. 


Baptismal  Font,  from  a  Church 
in  Venice. 


ISLAM  OR  MOORISH 

When  the  Moslem  power  spread  abroad,  a  new  style 
followed,  known  as  Islam  or  Moorish.  The  Moslem  religion 
prohibited  the  use  of  human  or  animal  forms  in  paintings  or 
decorations,  so  their  art  was  confined  to  geometric  and  vege- 
table ornament.  They  were  very  skillful  in  artistic  interlacing 
and  interweaving  of  arabesque  and  geometrical  ornament 
and  the  use  of  rich  and  vivid  coloring.  Their  use  of  the  horse- 
shoe and  ogee  arch  was  another  characteristic  feature  of  the 
period.  Their  work  was  confined  chiefly  to  mosques  and 
buildings,  and  not  much  furniture  was  produced. 


Horseshoe  Arch. 


Minaret  of  a  Mosque. 
25 


Ogee  Arch. 


GOTHIC 

Gothic  first  put  in  an  appearance  about  the  year  1200, 
and  quickly  spread  all  over  Europe.  It  was  chiefly  an  archi- 
tectural style,  but  its  influence  is  clearly  seen  in  the  furniture, 
which  at  this  period  was  closely  allied  to  architecture. 

The.  high  pointed  arch  and  geometrical  forms  were 
characteristic  of  the  style.  The  trefoil  and  quatrefoil  were 
the  chief  motifs  used  in  carving. 

Cupboards,  chests,  tables,  beds,  and  cabinets  were  the 
principal  pieces  of  furniture  made  during  this  period.  The 
chairs,  with  the  exception  of  folding  stools,  were  massive  and 
uncomfortable. 

Gothic  was  predominant  for  several  centuries. 


English  Coronation  Chair  in  Gothic  Style, 
Nurnberg.  Westminster  Abbey. 

27 


28       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Gothic  Credence  Cupboard,  15th  Century. 


Gothic   Stall  in  the   Cluny 
Museum. 


Gothic  Window. 


Gothic  Tat 


HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD   STYLES  IN   FURNITURE.        29 


Gothic  Credence  Cupboard,  15th  Century. 


Gothic  Windows. 


RENAISSANCE 
STYLES 


RENAISSANCE  IN  ITALY 

The  Renaissance  style  originated  in  Italy  about  1443  to  1564 
and  reached  a  degree  of  excellence  that  has  never  been  equalled 
elsewhere.  It  was  a  revolt  from  the  stiff,  formal  arrangement 
of  the  Gothic  and  the  return  of  classic  principles. 

Great  artists  worked  during  the  Renaissance  period  in 
Italy;  such  men  as  Titan,  Raphael,  Palladio  and  Michael 
Angelo  being  identified  with  the  movement.  Workman  from 
Italy  went  to  France,  England  and  other  countries,  and  the  style 
spread  all  over  Europe  with  such  changes  as  the  conditions 
in  different  countries  naturally  brought  about. 

Italian  Renaissance  was  a  rich,  elegant  style,  principally 
for  the  palace.  Very  few  pieces  of  middle  class  furniture 
have  come  down  to  us. 

Carving  was  the  principal  ornamentation  used  on  furni- 
ture and  was  applied  with  lavish  expense,  as  was  the  use  of 
stamped  leather  and  rich  velvets. 

Characteristic  features  are  the  acanthus  leaf,  arabesque 
scroll,  ribbons  and  flowers,  swags  of  fruit,  grotesque  human 
and  animal  forms. 


Italian    Renaissance    Carved    Seat,    15th    Century. 

33 


34       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Italian    Renaissance   Carved   Chest,   16th   Century. 


Italian  Renaissance  Table,  15th  Century. 


Italian  Renaissance  Table,  16th  Century. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       35 


Italian  Renaissance  Folding  Chair, 
in  South  Kensington  Museum. 


Italian  Renaissance  Hall 
Chair,  in  South  Kens- 
ington Museum. 


r»u   T*.,!.-.,.,   Renaissance  Chair. 


Italian    Upholstered   Chair,  in   South 
Kensington  Museum. 


36       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Italian    Renaissance    Seat,    from    the    De    Medici    Family. 


Italian   Renaissance    Bench. 


Italian  Renaissance  Stall,  15th  Century. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       37 


Italian   Renaissance   Mantels,   15th  Century. 


38       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Acanthus   Scroll. 


Dolphins. 


Arabesque. 


Dolphin. 
Different  Types  of  Italian  Renaissance  Ornament 


RENAISSANCE  IN  FRANCE 


The  French  Renaissance  period  began  during  the  reign 
of  Frances  I.  and  ran  about  one  hundred  years,  ending 
with  the  formal  work  of  Louis  XIV.  It  followed  along  lines 
of  the  Italian  Renaissance  but  was  coarser  and  heavier  in 
ornamental  detail.  Much  of  the  work  was  done  by  Italian 
designers,  but  still  it  became  imbued  with  the  French  spirit 
and  developed  strong  characteristics  of  its  own.  By  this  time 
the  Renaissance  movement  had  developed  furniture  to  where 
special  study  was  given  this  branch  of  designing.  The  early 
French  Renaissance  shows  considerable  intermingling  with 
the  Gothic  which  was  more  firmly  rooted  than  in  Italy. 

Characteristic  features  are  the  arabesque,  shields,  scrolls, 
half  figures,  animal  forms,  cartouch,  shell  curved  pediments, 
and  twisted  columns. 


French   Renaissance  Mantel. 


40       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


French   Renaissance  Cabinet,   16th  Century. 


French  Renaissance  Chair, 
17th  Century. 


French   Renaissance  Chair, 
16th  Century. 


French    Renaissance  Chest,   16th   Century. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       41 


French  Renaissance  Chair, 
late  16th   Century. 


French    Renaissance   Bed,   16th   Century. 
Cluny  Museum,  Paris. 


French  Renaissance  Henry  III.  Cabinet, 
in  South  Kensington  Museum. 


French  Renaissance  Table, 
16th   Century. 


42       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Fine  Old  French  Renaissance  Mantel. 


LOUIS 
PERIOD  STYLES 

IN 

FRANCE 


LOUIS  QUATORZE  (XIV.) 

The  Louis  XIV.  marked  the  end  of  the  Renaissance 
period  in  France  and  the  beginning  of  a  series  of  distinct 
period  furniture  styles. 

The  Renaissance  style  had  gradually  undergone  changes 
until  under  the  patronage  of  Louis  XIV.  it  developed  into  what 
was  probably  the  most  magnificent  of  the  French  period  styles. 
It  was  an  age  of  courtly  splendor  and  grandeur;  of  rich, 
massive  furniture,  well  suited  to  the  palace  and  salon  and 
where  it  is  used  today  for  large,  richly  furnished  rooms. 

One  of  the  notable  features  was  the  work  of  Andre 
Charles  Boule.  He  was  thef  King's  cabinet-maker  and  was  one 
of  the  greatest  of  the  ebinestes  (workers  in  ebony),  inlaying 
this  wood  with  tortoise  shell,  brass  and  other  metals  until  the 
whole  resembled  a  brilliant  mosaic.  He  further  decorated  his 
work  with  chiseled  mounts  of  ormolu  and  bronze,  carved  and 
gilt  ornaments. 

Marble  and  granite  were  used  for  table  and  console  tops, 
and  fine  tapestries  for  upholstering;  all  combining  to  create 
a  style  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  pomp  and  glittering 
splendor  of  the  age. 

Characteristic  features  of  the  style:  Well-balanced 
barocco  ornament,  cupids,  shell,  mask,  satire,  ramshead  and 
the  acanthus  leaf. 


Louis   XIV.    Chair   Upholstered 
in   Tapestry. 

45 


46       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Louis  XI\r.  Arm  Chairs  Upholstered  in  Tapestries. 


From  an  old  design  of  a  Louis  XIV.  Table. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       47 


Mirror  Fram*  and  Clock  Cases 
Louis  XIV.   Style. 


Louis  XIV.  Table,  from  an  Early  18th  Century  Design. 


48       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Louis  XIV.  Boule  Cabinet 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       49 


Louis  XIV.  Marriage  Coffer  and  Cabinet,  by 
Andre  Charles  Boule. 


50       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Design  of  Louis  XIV.   Mantel  and 
Wall  Decorations. 


7 


. 


LOUIS  QUINZE  (XV.) 


Louis  XV.  was  distinctly  a  rococo  style — straight  lines 
were  avoided  whenever  possible.  The  barocco  type  of  orna- 
ment of  the  Louis  XIV.  style  was  a  heavier  and  well- 
balanced  type,  while  the  rococo  ran  in  all  directions,  regard- 
less of  structural  features.  It  was  a  succession  of  broken 
curves,  shell  ornament,  wreaths,  flowers,  etc.,  etc.,  designed 
for  an  age  of  frivolousness,  licentiousness  and  excessive  luxury. 
Ornamentation  was  carried  to  the  extreme  in  fantastic  com- 
binations— a  style  principally  suited  to  the  boudoir  or  parlor. 
An  important  feature  of  the  period  was  the  use  of  lacquer, 
known  as  Vernis  Martin,  the  name  of  the  inventor.  Gilt  carv- 
ings, marquetrie,  painting  and  ormolu  mounts  covered  every- 
thing— plain  surfaces  were  avoided  whenever  possible.  From 
'  the  point  of  fine  workmanship,  furniture  of  this  period  has 

never  been  surpassed. 

^          Characteristic  features  are:     The  cabriole  leg,  extreme 
rococo,  curled  endive  leaf,  shell  and  twisted  scroll  ornament. 


Louis  XV.  Bureau. 


52       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN   FURNITURE. 


Louis  XV.  Table. 


Desk  owned  by  the  French  King,  Louis  XV. 
Elaborately    Decorated    with    Marquetrie    and    Chased    Ormolu    Mounts. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       53 


Louis  XV.  Settee. 


Louis  XV.  Chair. 


Louis  XV.   Commode,  decorated   in  Vernis 
Martin  and  with  Ormolu  Mounts. 


54       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Interior   Showing  Elaborate   Rococo   Ornamentation  of  the 
Louis  XV.  Period. 


(X 


LOUIS  SEIZE  (XVI.) 


The  Louis  XVI.  style  was  a  return  to  classical  principles. 
While  Louis  XV.  was  all  curves,  Louis  XVI.  was  character- 
ized by  straight  lines  and  simplicity  in  construction  and  is 
easily  distinguished  from  the  former  for  that  reason. 

To  the  refined  taste  of  Queen  Marie  Antoinette  is  given 
a  great  deal  of  credit  for  the  existence  of  this  style.  It  was 
also  greatly  influenced  by  the  discoveries  of  antique  classic 
ornament  at  Herculaneum  and  Pompeii.  The  straight  leg  was 
nearly  always  used — turned,  tapered,  fluted  or  twisted.  Gild- 
ing, carving,  marquetrie,  Vernis  Martin,  ormolu  mounts  were 
all  used  in  decorations,  but  in  a  refined  artistic  manner. 

Characteristic  features  are :  The  fluted  column,  oak  and 
laurel  leaf,  wreaths,  the  Greek  band  and  other  classical  emblems. 


Louis  XVI.  Table. 


55 


56       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Louis  XVI.   Tapestry-back  Settees,   from  18th  Century   Examples. 


. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       57 


Louis  XVI.  Bed. 


Louis  XVI.   Sofa. 


58       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Winged  Arm  Chair,  Louis  XVI. 


Louis    XVI.    Arm  Chairs. 


Chairs. 


EMPIRE 

This  style  was  developed  during  the  reign  of  Napoleon, 
and  the  letter  N  was  found  everywhere  in  the  decoration  of 
the  period.  The  style  was  a  revival  of  Greek,  Roman  and 
Egyptian  motifs.  Marquetrie  and  carving  were  discarded  and 
plain  surfaces  were  decorated  with  brass  and  ormolu  mounts 
of  antique  emblems. 

Mahogany  was  the  principal  wood  employed  and  con- 
siderable veneering  was  used. 

Characteristic  features:  The  wreath,  torch,  Sphinx, 
Greek  band,  honeysuckle,  Roman  eagle,  columns  and  scroll 
supports. 


Napoleon's  Bed  at  the  Grand 
Trianon,    Versailles. 


59 


tf 


HOW  TO  ^VOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Empire  Table. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       61 


Empire  Table. 


Empire   Chai 


Large  Empire  Table. 


Empire  Chair. 


Empire  Wreathes. 


f 


62       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


ir*  Btr.l  of  Madame  Du  Barry,  Paris. 


ENGLISH 
STYLES 


EARLY  ENGLISH  RENAISSANCE  (Tudor) 

The  early  Renaissance  in  England  was  a  mixture  of 
classic  and  Gothic  detail  crudely  drawn  and  developed  into 
what  is  known  as  the  Tudor  style  under  the  first  four 
Sovereigns  of  the  House  of  Tudor,  but  more  especially 
Henry  VIII.  He  gave  encouragement  to  the  revival  and 
brought  Italian  artists  and  artisans  to  England,  who  left  work 
that  had  its  influence  on  the  English  designer.  As  in  the 
Gothic  days,  furniture  still  closely  followed  architecture  and 
was  still  heavy,  cumbersome  and  uncomfortable.  The  fire- 
place was  the  most  elaborate  piece  of  work  in  the  house  during 
all  of  the  early  English  Renaissance  periods. 

Characteristics  are:  A  mingling  of  Italian  and  Gothic 
detail,  heavy  turnings,  the  Tudor  rose  and  other  types  of  round 
carved  panels. 


Tudor  Oak  Game  Table,  about  1585. 


66       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Tudor  Oak  Stool, 
about   1540. 


Remains  of  one  of  the  oldest  pieces  of  Tudor 

English   Upholstered   Furniture  known, 

about    1530. 


Tudor  Stool,  showing  Round  Carved 
Panels  of  the  Period,  about  1580. 


Tudor  Oak  Chair  in  Winchester  Cathedral. 

Used  on  the  occasion  of  the  marriage 

of  Mary  Tudor  with  Philip. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       67 


Tudor  Table,    Henry   XIII.,   known   as   the 
Melon  Bulb  Table. 


Tudor  Chair,  about  1535. 


Carved  Panel  Showing 
Tudor  Rose. 


ELIZABETHAN 

Queen  Elizabeth  was  the  last  sovereign  of  the  House  of 
Tudor  and  the  architecture  and  furniture  made  during  her 
reign  is  known  as  Elizabethan.  The  Renaissance  movement 
was  gradually  making  a  change  in  the  furniture  of  England. 

The  workmen  brought  over  from  Italy,  where  the  new 
style  had  made  its  greatest  progress,  were  imitated  by  the 
native  artisans,  but  not  with  the  skill  and  delicacy  of  ornament 
that  characterized  the  Italian  work.  However,  they  developed 
a  sturdy,  substantial  style  that  was  particularly  suited  to  oak. 
The  furniture  was  of  a  heavy,  massive  construction  with  showy 
facades,  fluted  and  carved  columns,  on  which  a  crude  Ionic 
cap  was  often  used.  Carving  was  coarse  and  flat,  a  character- 
istic feature  being  the  interwoven  strap  work;  some  inlaying 
was  also  done. 

The  furniture  of  the  period  consisted  mainly  of  chests, 
cabinets,  cupboards,  massive  canopy  beds  and  chairs  of  a  stiff 
and  cumbersome  nature  with  wood  or  cane  seats.  Upholster- 
ing had  not  yet  come  into  vogue  to  any  great  extent,  loose 
cushions  being  used  instead. 

Rooms  were  usually  furnished  with  paneled  wains- 
coting, beamed  or  moulded  ceilings. 

Characteristics  of  the  style :  Heavy  bulbous  legs,  turned 
or  square,  interwoven  strap  work,  heavy  mouldings  and  carved 
panels  of  a  coarse  Renaissance  style. 


Late  Elizabethan  Draw  Table. 
69 


70       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Elizabethan  Bed  of  Oliver  Cromwell. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       71 


Elizabethan   Cupboard,   about  1570. 


Elizabethan  Wood  Seat  Chair. 
Inlaid  and  Carved,  16th  Century. 


Elizabethan  Mantel. 


72       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FIRNITURE. 


Elizabethan  Mantel,  l«th  Century. 


JACOBEAN 

There  is  no  distinct  line  of  demarcation  between  the  late 
Elizabethan  and  early  Jacobean.  The  same  style  of  ornamenta- 
tion was  used  for  some  time,  but  there  was  a  gradual  change 
from  the  heavy  and  somewhat  over-ornamented  Elizabethan 
to  severer  forms  and  less  ornament.  Some  of  the  later  work 
became  quite  plain — rectangular,  square,  diamond  and  L-shaped 
moulded  panels  were  much  used.  Turned  legs  and  supports 
became  popular.  Most  of  the  carving  was  cut  into  the  solid 
wood  instead  of  the  raised  or  applied  kind.  Inlaying  was  also 
used  in  a  limited  way. 

Chairs  with  cane  backs  and  seats  were  popular  and  of  a 
much  lighter  design  than  the  Elizabethan.  Upholstering  was 
used  on  some  of  the  plainer  styles  of  chairs  and  settees. 

The  Jacobean  was  contemporaneous  with  the  Flemish 
style  and  was  considerably  influenced  by  it. 

Elizabethan,  Jacobean  and  Flemish  styles  can  be  used 
together  in  perfect  harmony  in  furnishing  a  room.  Oak  was 
the  wood  of  the  period.  By  referring  to  the  chronological 
table,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Jacobean  period  covered  the  reign 
of  several  monarchs  and  certain  types  of  the  period  are  some- 
times referred  to  as  James  I.,  Charles  II.,  etc.,  according 
to  whose  reign  they  were  designed  under. 

Characteristics  of  the  styles:  Panelling,  moulding, 
turned  and  spiral  legs,  flat  or  cut-in  carving  and  a  straight 
line  style  of  construction. 


Early  Type  of  Jacobean  Sideboard,  South 
Kensington   Museum,   London. 


73 


74       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Jacobean,  an  early  example  of  the  Court  Cupboard,  dated  1606. 


An  Example  of  Late  Jacobean  Work. 


HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       75 


Old  Jacobean  Sideboard. 


Jacobean  Table,  about  1660. 


76       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Jacobean  Stool,  1640. 


Jacobean,   late  17th   Century. 
South  Kensington  Museum. 


Jacobean  Wood  Seat  Chair, 
aboAit  1055. 


Jacobean  Upholstered  Cnair, 
about   1614. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       77 


Jacobean   Cabinet,  about   1630. 


Old  Jacobean  Carved   Chest. 


78       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Jacobean  Upholstered  Chairs  of  the  Cromwellian   Period. 


Jacobean    Chair   with  Inlaid 
Back. 


Jacobean  Carved  Chair, 
Dated  1668. 


WILLIAM  AND  MARY 

With  the  ascension  of  Mary  and  her  Dutch  husband, 
William  of  Orange,  to  the  English  throne,  Dutch  influences 
prevailed.  Many  of  the  court  attaches  were  Dutch  and  brought 
much  of  their  furniture  with  them.  English  workmen  copied 
these  patterns  with  such  changes  as  their  taste  suggested  and  a 
new  style  was  gradually  developed  which  became  known  as 
William  and  Mary. 

General  simplicity  of  ornament  prevailed,  veneering  came 
into  style  and  Dutch  inlaying  was  popular. 

The  William  and  Mary  type  was  really  the  beginning  of 
Queen  Anne  style  but  had  some  distinct  features  which  entitled 
it  to  a  place  of  its  own.  Oak  and  walnut  were  the  principal 
woods  used. 

Characteristic  features  of  the  style  are:  Turned  legs, 
curved  under-framing  and  arched  tops  to  cabinets  and  frames. 


William  and  Mary  Dressing  Table,  showing  Typical 
Turned  Legs  and  Curved  Underframing. 


8o       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


William  and  Mary  Carved 
Back  Chair. 


William  and  Mary  Upholstered 
Chair. 


William  amd  Mary  Chair, 
.   about  1090. 


William   and   Mary   C*n« 
Back  Chair. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       81 


\Villiam.  and  Mary  Arched  Tap  Writing 
Cabinet,  about  1690. 


QUEEN  ANNE 

In  the  Queen  Anne  style  we  have  a  type  that  is  a  complete 
change  from  the  early  English  Renaissance.  Furniture  under 
the  reign  of  William  and  Mary  formed  a  connecting  link 
between  the  Jacobean  and  Queen  Anne  styles,  but  under  Dutch 
influences,  the  old  rectangular  forms  gave  way  to  curved  lines 
and  more  graceful  proportions.  Chairs  which  had  previously 
been  stiff  and  uncomfortable,  were  now  shaped  to  fit  the 
anatomy  of  the  human  form.  Upholstering  came  into  general 
use  and  all  kinds  of  "overstuffed"  chairs  and  settees  were  grace- 
ful and  comfortable.  The  slip  seat  came  into  style  about  this 
time. 

The  curved  splat-backed  chair  is  another  type  of  the  period. 
The  cabriole  leg  was  introduced  and  is  a  distinct  feature  of  the 
style.  It  was  first  made  plain,  but  later  carving  was  added, 
generally  in  the  form  of  a  shell-like  ornament  at  the  knee. 
The  hoof,  ball  and  claw-foot  were  also  used.  The  cabriole  leg 
was  first  introduced  by  the  Dutch  traders  from  China  where 
it  had  been  used  for  hundreds  of  years  and  probably  originated 
from  animal  forms.  The  ball  and  claw-foot  also  came  from 
China,  where  it  represented  the  foot  of  the  dragon  holding  the 
mystic  jewel.  The  cabriole  leg  was  adapted  to  various  uses. 
It  was  low  and  sturdy  under  heavy  cabinets  and  tall  and 
slender  for  tables  and  chairs. 

Veneering  was  extensively  used  and  Dutch  marquetrie 
was  popular.  Walnut  was  the  principal  wood  but  some  mahog- 
any was  used  during  the  latter  days.  Queen  Anne  style  pre- 
dominated from  the  reign  of  William  and  Mary  until  the  end 
of  the  reign  of  George  II. 

Characteristic  features  of  the  style:  The  cabriole  leg, 
under-framing,  splat-back  chairs  with  curved  seat  frames, 
arch  top  cabinets,  etc. 


84       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Queen  Anne  Marquetrie  Settee  with  Slip   Seat  and  Cabriole  Legs, 
with  Ball  Claw-foot  and  Shell  Carving  at  Knee,  about  1710. 


Queen  Anne  Carved  Chair,  in  South 
Kensington   Museum. 


Queea  Anne  Marquetrie  Chair,   with 
Curved  Underfrarrn'i" 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       85 


Queen  Anne  Upholstered   Settee,   with  Plain   Cabriole  Leg  and 
Hoof   Foot. 


Queen  Anne  Carved  Chair,  with 
Turned  Underframing. 


Queen  Anne  Upholstered  Chair, 
about  1710. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Queen  Anne  Upholstered  Chair,  with 
Loose   Cushion,   1705. 


Removable  Toilet,   used   on 
Table  Below. 


Queen  Anne  Toilet  Table,   Plain   Cabriole 
Leg  and  Hoof  Foot 


Queen  Anne  Hoof  Foot 
Chair. 


HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       87 


Queen   Anne   Bed  at   Hampton   Court   Palace. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Queen    Anne    Highboy 

or   Chest  of   Drawers. 

Inlaid  Band  Around 

Drawers. 


Queen    Anne 

Carved  Table, 

about   1710. 


THE  GEORGIAN  PERIOD 

The  Georgian  period  is  known  as  the  Golden  Age  of 
English  furniture.  Chippendale,  Heppelwhite,  Adam  Brothers 
and  Sheraton  were  the  dominating  figures  of  the  period  and 
each  left  a  style  to  bear  their  name.  They  did  not  design  all 
the  furniture  named  after  them,  as  many  other  designers 
worked  in  the  same  styles. 

Other  18th  century  designers  who  published  books  of 
designs  are : 

Thomas   Johnson    1758-1761 

Ince   &   Mayhew 1762 

J.   Crunden    f 1765-1796 

Robert   Manwaring    1765-1766 

Thomas   Shearer 1793 

Thomas   Hope    1807 


CHIPPENDALE 

Thomas  Chippendale  was  the  first  designer  to  so  impress 
his  personality  on  his  work  that  the  particular  style  that  he 
helped  develop  has  borne  his  name  ever  since.  He  was  a 
carver  by  trade,  but  later  started  in  business  in  St.  Martins 
Lane,  London.  His  book,  the  "Gentlemen's  and  Cabinet- 
makers' Directory,"  was  published  in  1754  and  a  later  edition 
in  1762. 

Chippendale  chairs  are  probably  better  known  than  any 
of  his  other  work.  They  are  noted  for  their  beautiful  propor- 
tions and  delicate  carvings.  His  designs  were  largely  a  com- 
bination of  Gothic,  rococo  and  Chinese  detail,  all  of  which  he 
combined  with  rare  skill.  His  Chinese  frets  were  exceptionally 
fine.  One  class  of  his  designs  was  very  similar  to  the  Louis 
XV.  style,  so  popular  in  France  at  that  time.  The  cabriole  leg, 
ball  and  claw-foot,  were  both  used  by  him  as  also  were  a 
variety  of  straight,  square  legs,  plain  or  with  the  Chinese  fret 
work  laid  on  or  cut  through.  The  slip  seat  was  a  character- 
istic feature  of  his  chairs. 

Chippendale's  book  shows  designs  for  a  great  variety  of 
all  kinds  of  furniture.  Mahogany  was  the  principal  wood  used. 
Carving  was  the  method  of  ornamentation.  Chippendale  never 
used  inlay  and  very  little  turning. 

Characteristic  features  of  the  style  are :  Latticed  and 
ribbon-backed  chairs,  bands  of  fret  work  and  rococo  carvings. 


Chippendale    Settee   at   South    Kensington   Museum. 
91 


92       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Chippendale   Arm'  Chair,   Middle   of  18th 
Century.     South   Kensington   Museum. 


Ribbon    Back   Chair,   from   Chippen- 
dale's Book. 


Chippendale,   about   1740. 


Fine    Carved   Chippendale   Chair, 
abon'    1740. 


HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       93 


Chinese  Chair,  from  Chippendale's  Book. 


Gothic  Chair,  Chippendale's  Book. 


Chippendale    Round-about   Chair. 


Chinese  Chair,  from  Chippendale's  Book. 
7 


Gothic  Chair,  from  Chippendale's  Book. 


94       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


\ 


• 


afiiiin        i          ,\ 


Bookcase,  from  Chippendale's  Book. 


Chippendale    Desk,   made   about   1760.          Chippendale  Chair.   South   Kensington 

Muceum. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       95 


Tables  from  Chippendale's  Book  of 
Designs. 


Chippendale    Toilet    Table,   made 
about    1730. 


96       HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Chippendale   State   Bed,   from  an  18th 
Century  Design. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.       97 


Secretary,   from    Chippendale's    Book. 


STATE  WWML  s< 


98       HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Chinese  Chippendale  Chair  from 
Chippendale's  book. 


HEPPELWHITE 

Heppelwhite  was  the  style  to  follow  Chippendale.  George 
Heppel white  died  in  1786  and  the  furniture  business  he  had 
established  was  carried  on  by  his  widow,  Alice,  under  the  name 
of  A.  Heppelwhite  &  Co. 

The  first  edition  of  his  book,  "The  Cabinet-maker  and 
Upholsterer's  Guide,"  did  not  appear  until  two  years  after  his 
death. 

Heppelwhite's  designs  were  of  a  severe  straight  line  style 
based  on  classic  principles.  His  shield-backed  chairs  are  his 
best  known  type.  The  square,  tapering  leg  with  a  spade  foot, 
is  most  used,  although  turning  is  sometimes  employed  but 
never  the  cabriole  leg  so  popular  with  Chippendale.  A  dis- 
tinguishing feature  of  Heppelwhite  chair  backs  was  the  use  of 
the  Prince  of  Wales  plume.  Sheraton  never  used  this  in  his 
chair  designs  and  it  is  a  feature  that  often  settles  the  author- 
ship of  certain  patterns  that  otherwise  are  very  similar.  Another 
distinguishing  feature  is  that  Heppelwhite's  shield  back  chairs 
usually  have  a  plain,  curved  top  rail,  while  Sheraton's  are 
broken  or  with  a  small  rectangular  panel  in  the  center. 

Upholstering  and  cane  were  both  used  on  chairs  and 
settees.  Carvings  were  very  delicate  and  refined.  Veneering, 
marqueterie  and  painting  were  all  used.  Mahogany  was  the 
popular  wood. 

Characteristic  features  of  the  style  are :  Honeysuckle, 
wheat  ear  and  water  leaf  ornament;  shield  back  chairs  and 
straight  legs. 


Upholstered    Settee,    from   Heppelwhite's    Book. 

99 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN   FURNITURE. 


Heppelwhite  Shield   Back  Chair,  showing  Heppelwhite   Shield   Back   Chair,   from 

Prince   of  Wales   Plume,    South  his  book. 

Kensington   Museum. 


Chair  from   Heppelwhite's  Book,  showing      Upholstered   Wing   Chair,    from   Heppel- 
Prince   of  Wales    Plume.  white's   Boole. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE,      rot 


Sideboard   from  Heppelwhite's  Book,  showing  Concave  Corners,   Square 
Leg  and   Spade  Foot. 


Bed    from    Heppelwhite's    Book. 


Heppelwhite  Chest  of  Drawers  with 
LIBRARY  Removable   Toilet. 


(Hi 


102     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Hcppelwhite  Bed,   from   hia  book. 


THE  ADAM  STYLE 

R.  and  J.  Adams  were  architects,  and  the  furniture 
designed  for  their  houses,  while  very  similar  to  Heppelwhite 
and  Sheraton,  was  more  a  classic  style  based  on  a  study  of 
antique  detail  found  in  the  buried  cities  of  Pompeii  and  Her- 
culaneum. 

They  introduced  a  kind  of  composition  ornament  that  was 
applied  to  the  wood.  Most  of  their  decorations  were  in 
low  relief,  either  composition  or  carved.  They  also  used  inlay, 
painting  and  guilding.  Legs  of  chairs,  tables,  etc.,  were 
usually  square,  fluted  and  tapering.  Chimney  pieces  show  some 
of  their  finest  work.  Some  of  the  Adams  designs  were  taken 
to  America  during  the  Colonial  days  and  form  the  basis  of 
what  is  now  known  as  Adams'  Colonial. 

Characteristic  details  of  the  style  are :  Ram's-heads,  urns, 
rosettes,  festoons,  classical  moulding  and  delicate  fluting. 


Elaborate    Sideboard   with   Knife    Vases  on   Pedestals.     A   typical 

example   of   the    Adam    Style. 


103 


104     HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


WfffffnffffM 


JZ21 


Adam   Sideboard  and   Cellarette. 


Adam  Pedestals  and  Knife  Vases. 


Knife  Vase,   showing 
method  of  opening. 


Adam    Tea    Caddie. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      105 


Adam  Settee. 


Adam  Chair. 


Adam  Mantel. 


io6     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE 


Adam  Mantel. 


SHERATON 

Thomas  Sheraton  has  been  called  the  master  of  cabinet 
making-  and  inlay.  He  used  very  little  carving-  and  what  he 
did  was  very  dainty  and  strictly  conventional.  Like  the  Heppel- 
white,  Adam  and  Louis  XVI.  styles,  Sheraton  followed 
straight  classic  lines.  His  best  work  was  severe  and  simple 
and  on  some  of  his  furniture  he  did  not  use  a  single  moulding 
but  depended  entirely  upon  inlay  for  ornamentation.  He  was 
the  first  designer  to  use  satinwood  to  any  great  extent  and 
was  famous  for  his  veneered  work  and  mechanical  contrivances. 

The  majority  of  his  chair  backs  were  rectangular  in  form 
with  slightly  curved  and  broken  top  rails.  He  used  a  variety 
of  straight  legs,  square,  turned,  tapered  and  fluted,  but  never 
the  cabriole  leg.  He  favored  all-over  stuffed  seats  except  where 
cane  was  used,  and  seldom  used  under-framing.  His  book, 
"The  Cabinet-maker  and  Upholsterer's  Drawing  Book,"  was 
published  in  1791,  and  shows  a  great  variety  of  all  kinds  of 
furniture.  The  sideboards  and  side-tables  in  his  book  always  show 
the  convex  corners,  while  Heppelwhite's  show  the  concave.  He 
was  also  the  first  to  design  a  kidney-shaped  table.  He  was  not 
a  manufacturer,  as  was  Chippendale  and  Heppelwhite,  but 
sold  his  designs  to  whom  he  could.  He  was  the  last  of  the 
18th  century  designers  to  leave  a  style  bearing  his  name,  and 
is  considered  by  many  to  have  been  the  greatest  of  them  all. 
Mahogany  was  the  principal  wood  used. 

Characteristics  of  the  style  are :  Rectangular  chair  back, 
straight  fluted  legs,  square  or  turned;  satinwood  inlay  and 
classic  detail. 


Kidney-shaped   Writing   Table,    from    Sheraton's 
Book  of  Designs. 

107 


io8     HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Sideboard,   from   Sheraton's   Book,   showing  Convex  Corners,   Brass 
Candlestick  and   Railing. 


Sheraton  Writing  Desk,  made  in 


i  Writing  Desk, 
England,    1780. 


Sheraton  Cane  Seat  Chair. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      109 


Sheraton   Shield-back  .Chair.     Note  broken 

top  rail,  which  tispnguishes  it  from 

Heppelwnite's   chairs. 


Secretary,   from   Sheraton's   Book. 


Sheraton   Chair,   in   South   Kensington 
Museum. 


no     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Bookcase  and  Writing  Desk,  from  Sheraton's  Book. 


Couch,  from  Sheraton's  Book. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE,      in 


Bed,   from    Sheraton's   Book. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Ann   Chairs  and  Chair  Backs,   from   Sheraton's  Book. 


VICTORIAN    ERA 

During  the  early  years  of  the  19th  century,  an  unsuccess- 
ful attempt  was  made  to  copy  the  Empire  style,  but  after  the 
brilliant  work  of  the  18th  century,  English  furniture  design- 
ing sank  to  a  low  ebb.  All  sorts  of  cheap,  flimsy  orna- 
ments were  used  and  it  was  not  until  the  middle  of  thejp^ury 
that  styles  began  to  improve. 

In  1868,  Mr.  Charles  Eastlake,  an  architect,  published 
"Hints  on  Household  Taste,"  which  was  responsible  for  what 
is  known  as  the  Eastlake  style. 

William  Morris  was  a  designer  and  decorator  of  excep- 
tional ability  and  by  his  lectures  and  work  (1860-1896)  did 
much  to  improve  public  taste.  His  work  was  along  simple 
lines  similar  to  the  Arts  and  Crafts  style  in  England  today 
and  the  Mission  in  the  United  States. 


Table  and  Chairs  from   Eastlake's  Book,  "Hints  on 
Household   Taste,"   1868. 

"3 


THE  RENAISSANCE  STYLE  IN  OTHER 
EUROPEAN  COUNTRIES 

By  referring  to  the  chronological  table,  it  will  be  seen 
that  the  Renaissance  style  spread  to  all  of  the  European  coun- 
tries, but  it  did  not  develop  into  a  series  of  distinct  period  styles 
as  in  France  and  England.  The  furniture  designed  in  these 
various  countries  usually  followed,  more  or  less,  the  changes 
in  fashion  that  were  designated  as  period  styles  in  France 
and  England,  but  their  work  is  known  by  the  name  of  the 
country,  as  German  Renaissance,  Spanish  Renaissance,  etc., 
and  not  by  period  names,  as  Louis  Seize,  Empire,  Chippendale 
and  other  French  and  English  styles. 


GERMAN 

In  Germany  the  early  Renaissance  designers  closely  fol- 
lowed the  work  of  Italy  and  France  and  later  they  did  consid- 
erable work  in  the  rococo  style.  They  were  also  influenced  by 
the  classic  revival  that  did  so  much  for  the  furniture  of  France 
and  England  during  the  latter  part  of  the  18th  century. 


German    Renaissance  Toilet 
Stands  and   Chairs. 


In  Museum,  Dresden. 


17th  Century. 


n6     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


German   Rococo  Chair. 


FLEMISH 

The  early  Flemish  style  in  Belgium  closely  followed  the 
Italian  and  French  work;  but  their  later  designs  were  made 
much  plainer  and  they  developed  a  type  that  had  strong  char- 
acteristics of  its  own.  It  was  a  style  very  suitable  for  oak,  the 
principal  wood  used.  The  Flemish  style,  which  gets  its  name 
from  that  part  of  Belgium  called  Flanders,  was  very  similar 
to  the  Elizabethan  and  Jacobean  in  England,  and  no  doubt  the 
latter  named  styles  were  considerably  influenced  by  it. 


Carved   Flemish   Cabinet 


117 


n8     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Flemish   Carved   Chair   Back. 


Flemish   Chair,  about  1678. 


Flemish  Oak  Chest,  17th  Century. 


Corner  of   Flemish   Bed,   from  the 
Plantin  Museum,  Antwerp. 


HOLLAND 

The  Dutch  Renaissance  of  Holland  and  the  Netherlands 
was,  of  course,  greatly  influenced  by  the  Flemish  and  French 
work,  but  the  tendency  of  their  designers  was  towards  plainer 
surfaces  and  less  ornament. 

The  early  Dutch  were  great  traders  with  the  east  and 
they  brought  back  many  rare  colored  woods  which  were  used 
on  their  furniture  in  the  form  of  veneers  and  inlays  develop- 
ing into  what  is  known  as  Dutch  marquetrie. 


Dutch    Renaissance  Chair,   from   a  book 
published  in  1642. 


Cabinet    Inlaid    with    Dutch    Marqueterie. 

119 


Dutch   Splat  Back  Chair. 


SPAIN 

The  furniture  and  ornament  of  Spain  and  Portugal  was 
strongly  influenced  by  the  Moorish  style  owing  to  their  close 
proximity  to  Morocco.  They  were  never  great  furniture 
builders,  and  old  Spanish  furniture  is  very  scarce.  During 
their  conquest  of  Belgium  and  the  Netherlands,  some  of  their 
characteristics  found  their  way  into  those  countries  and  what 
is  known  as  the  Spanish  foot,  is  often  seen  on  Flemish  and 
Dutch  furniture. 


Spanish   Chest. 


Spanish  Chair. 


121 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Spanish  Renaissance  Chair,  showing 
Spanish  Foot. 


L'ART  NOUVEAU 

This  style  was  brought  prominently  before  the  public  at 
the  Paris  Exposition  in  1900.  The  style  is  based  on  natural- 
istic principles.  Motifs  are  the  root  of  the  tree,  trunk,  branches, 
leaves  and  vines  twisted  into  all  manner  of  shapes.  It  had  its 
greatest  run  in  Austria  and  France,  but  has  not  proved  very 
satisfactory  for  furniture  and  is  probably  better  adapted  to 
metal  work  or  wall  and  cloth  designs. 


Cabinet  Shown  at  Paris  Exposition,  1900. 
123 


124     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Art  Nouveau  Upholstered  Arm  Chair, 
shown  at  the  Paris  Exposition,  1900. 


Art  Nouveau  Chair,  with  Inlaid 
Back  and   Upholstered   Seat, 
shown   at   Paris   Exposition. 


FURNITURE  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 

During  the  early  days  of  this  country,  some  excellent 
furniture  was  produced  owing  principally  to  the  study  of  18th 
century  English  and  French  models.  Then  came  a  period  of 
reaction.  Furniture  was  loaded  with  cheap  ornament  and 
meaningless  carving.  The  main  idea  seemed  to  be  "how  much" 
and  not  "how  good."  This  was  partly  due  to  the  introduction 
of  labor-saving  machinery,  but  more  to  untrained  men  going 
into  the  furniture  business,  many  of  them  being  entirely 
ignorant  of  the  first  principles  of  correct  design.  The  rapid 
growth  of  the  country  caused  such  a  demand  for  furniture 
that  anything  sold  for  a  time,  but  a  gradual  improvement  set 
in;  factories  began  to  employ  experienced  designers  and  the 
past  twenty-five  years  has  shown  great  advancement  in  the 
manufacture  of  furniture  in  this  country.  It  is  now  produced 
in  all  the  old  period  styles  of  a  quality  equal  to  any  in  the 
world  and  two  new  styles  have  been  added  to  the  list — Colonial 
and  Mission. 


125 


126     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Typical  Old  New  England  Settle,  with  Folding  Candlestick  Holder. 


COLONIAL  FURNITURE 

The  name  of  this  style  is  derived  from  the  Colonial  days 
of  the  United  States  and  was  the  outgrowth  of  the  furniture 
brought  over  from  the  mother  country  of  the  various  colonies. 

The  New  England  and  Virginia  settlements  were  made 
by  the  English,  and  their  furniture  was  mostly  of  the  Georgian 
period,  Chippendale,  Sheraton,  Adam,  etc.  New  Orleans  was 
settled  by  the  French  and  here  we  find  furniture  of  the  Louis 
and  Empire  periods.  To  New  York  came  the  Dutch  with 
their  Dutch  and  Flemish  furniture,  so  we  have  three  distinct 
types  of  Colonial  furniture — Dutch,  English  and  French.  The 
Colonial  style  was  developed  from  these  by  making  them 
plainer,  leaving  off  ornament  and  simplifying  them  in  every 
way  possible,  but  retaining  the  original  outlines  and  propor- 
tions. It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  Colonial  furniture  and 
Colonial  styles  are  two  separate  things.  Many  of  the  pieces 
which  have  come  down  to  us  from  the  Colonial  days  are  pure 
Chippendale,  Sheraton  or  other  styles  and  are  recognized  as 
such  nowadays,  so  we  find  the  Colonial  style  of  today  is  the 
result  of  the  gradual  development  of  ideas  derived  from  this 
old  furniture  just  as  in  the  past,  new  styles  were  the  outgrowth 
of  the  older  ones. 

'Strictly  speaking,  the  name  Colonial  would  only  apply  to 
furniture  in  this  country  before  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence. If  this  classification  was  observed,  it  would  disqualify 
half  of  the  furniture  now  owned  by  antiquarian  and  historical 
societies.  So  it  has  become  customary  to  classify  as  Colonial, 
furniture  made  for  some  years  after  1776.  This  old  furniture 
has  been  gradually  gathered  in  museums  and  private  collec- 
tions, and  there  are  a  number  of  books  devoted  entirely  to 
Colonial  furniture,  so  it  is  the  purpose  of  this  book  to  only 
show  a  few  of  the  more  interesting  examples.^ 


127 


128     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Windsor  Chair,  from   Washington's 

Presidential   Mansion, 

Philadelphia. 


18th  Century  Windsor  Chair. 


Early  18th  Century  Splint  Bottom  Chair, 
belonged  to  William  Penn. 


Rust.   Bottom  Chair 
in  Boston. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      129 


Louis  XVI.  Style.  Sheraton  Style. 

Chairs  owned  by  George  Washington. 


Empire   Chair,   made   in   Paris,  Brought 

to  the  United  States,  and  owned 

by  President  Monroe. 


Empire  Chair  from  the  library  of  Nap*oleon 

I.     Afterwards  owned  in   New 

Orleans,   La. 


130     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Cane  Chair  with  Spanish  Foot.     Owned 

by  Connecticut  Historical   Society, 

Hartford,    Conn. 


Cane     Chair,     17th     Century     English 
Style.     Owned  by  the  Connec- 
ticut  Historical    Society, 
Hartford,  Conn. 


Dutch   Chairs. 
Owned  by  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  Worcester,  Mass. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      131 


Sofa  of  the  Early  19th  Century  Type,  Owned  by  Worcester  Society  of 
Antiquity,  Worcester,  Mass. 


Table  in  Salem,  Mass., 
acobean  stylo,  known  as 
'gate"  or  "thousand  leg" 
table.  The  legs  swing  back 
allowing  the  leaves  to  drop 
down  at  sides. 


Sofa  in  the   Sheraton   Style.     Owned  by  the   American 
Antiquarian    Society,    Worcester,    Mass. 


132     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Mahogany  Chest  of  Drawers,  in 
Hartford,    Conn. 


Secretary  given  to  Stephen  Girard  by 
Joseph  Bonaparte. 


Thomas  Jefferson's   Desk. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      133 


Console  Table  in 
the  Empire  Style. 


Dressing  Table,  owned  by 
the  Concord  Antiquarian 
Society,  Concord,  Mass. 


Bombe-shaped    Chest    of 
Drawers,  in  Salem,  Mass. 


134     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Tables  and  Sideboard,  now  owned  in  Baltimore. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      135 


George    Washington's    Desk,    owned    by    Historical 
Society   of   Pennsylvania. 


COLONIAL  STYLE  OF  TODAY 

Probably  the  most  popular  type  of  modern  Colonial 
today,  is  the  one  derived  from  the  Empire  style.  The  brass 
and  ormolu  mounts  of  the  Empire  have  been  discarded  and  the 
classical  features  retained  and  from  this  has  come  a  distinct 
American  period  style. 

Mahogany,  with  fine  figured  veneer,  is  the  wood  most 
used,  but  other  kinds  are  employed,  the  wood  having  nothing 
to  do  with  the  style. 

Characteristics:  The  classical  column,  carved  or  plain; 
the  S-shaped  scroll,  lion's  paw  foot,  and  scroll  foot. 


China  Cabinet,  Colonial  Style,  Scroll  Support  and 
Lion's-paw  Feet. 


137 


Modern   Colonial    Sideboard   with   Crotch   Mahogany   Veneer   Scroll 
Supports  and  Feet. 


Crotch  Mahogany  Colonial   Sideboard  with  Carved  Columns  and 
Lion's-paw   Feet. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      139 


Modern  Colonial  Sideboard  with  Plain  Columns  and  Ball  Claw  Feet. 


Modern  Colonial  Sideboard  with  Scroll  Supports  and  Feet 


MO     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Modern  Colonial  Library  Tables. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      141 


Plain  Four-post  Bed,  Colonial  Style. 


Scroll    Bed,    Colonial    Style.   , 


Colonial  Desk  with  Scroll  Legs  and  Feet 


142     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Four-post   Bed,   Pineapple   Carvings,   Colonial   Style. 


Colonial  Style  Arm  Chair. 


MISSION 

During  the  past  few  years  a  style  has  developed  in  the 
United  States  called  Mission,  suggested  by  work  found  in  the 
old  Spanish  Missions  in  California  and  the  southwest.  It  runs 
almost  entirely  to  straight  lines.  At  first  it  was  extremely 
heavy  and  clumsy,  but  recently  has  been  lighteja«fl  and  greatly 
improved  upon.  It  is  a  simple  straightforward  style  easily 
recognized  and  is  very  popular  at  the  present  time. 

Oak  is  the  principal  wood  used,  and  fuming  or  dark  stains 
the  finish  most  suitable.  Similar  work  is  being  produced  in 
England,  Austria  and  Germany  under  the  names  of  New  Art, 
Craftsman  and  Arts  and  Crafts. 


Library  Table. 


LIBRARY 

•TAT*  TBACHEfV  •OLUKOft 
»ANT*  BARBARA.  CALirORNIA 


143 


716 


144     HOW  TO  KNOW   PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Mission  Morris  Chair. 


Mission   Davenport   with   Loose  Cushions. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      145 


Mission  Settee  with  Loose  Cushions. 


Mission   Upholstered   Chair. 


Mission  Rocker  with  Loose  Cushions. 


146     HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE. 


Mission   Library   Tables. 


HOW  TO  KNOW  PERIOD  STYLES  IN  FURNITURE.      147 


Mission  Desk. 


Mission  Sideboard. 


THE  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

Santa  Barbara 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW. 


4> 


RETUr 


50w-5,'64  (E5474s8 )  9482 


000  990  907     8 


11  "™205  00143  4933 


if" 

VlV  ' 


